Top 5 opening partnerships in IPL history
Over years, the fans have seen several memorable partnerships in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, some excellent opening partnerships have gone down in the record keeper books. On that note, let us take a look at the top five opening partnerships in IPL history.
5. Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were taking on the Punjab Kings during IPL 2020. The PBKS put up an excellent batting performance and scored 178 in their 20 overs. However, CSK openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis put on a partnership of 181 runs for the first wicket. While Watson finished unbeaten on 83, Du Plessis also scored an excellent 87* to allow CSK to romp home with ease.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway
CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway made a mockery of PBKS bowling line-up during a group match of IPL 2022 as they scored 182 for the opening wicket. It was an excellent batting display from both the batters. To note, Gaikwad was the aggressor between the two batters and scored 99 runs. Meanwhile, his partner Conway made 85 as the Yellow Army crossed the 200-run mark and eventually won.
3. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul
PBKS opening batters were ruthless against the Rajasthan Royals during a game in IPL 2020. The duo stitched 183 runs for the first wicket. Their partnership at the top came off just 16.3 overs. While Rahul scored a 54-ball 69, Mayank Agarwal scored an excellent century. As a result, PBKS finished on a huge total of 223 runs.
2. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn
The left-right duo of Gautam Gambhir and Chris Gayle thrashed Gujarat Lions bowlers. The Lions scored 183 runs in their allotted 20 overs. However, the dangerous duo went total berserk right from the word go and left the opposition searching for answers. Their partnership of 184 runs came in just 14.5 overs. As a result, the Men in Purple won comfortably.
1. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow
It was a high-class show from Sunrisers Hyderabad openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow during IPL 2019 edition. Batting first, Warner and Bairstow put on a record opening partnership of 185. While Bairstow scored an excellent hundred, Warner stroked a century too and posted a huge total of 231 runs for their team. The Orange army won that match by 118 runs.